Photon counter

Users of the id201 near-IR, single-photon detector
from id Quantique SA can adjust the bias voltage, which controls detection efficiency.
Photon detection probability at 1550 nm can be selected from 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%,
independently of the gate width and trigger frequency. A mode also can be selected
to scan the bias voltage. Covering the 900- to 1700-nm range, the module is based
on an InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiode and works in a gated mode. It offers a choice
of five gate widths (2.5, 5, 20, 50 and 100 ns). The gate width can be continually
scanned between 0 and 20 ns. The device features an RS-232 interface, internal counters
and a maximum trigger frequency of 10 MHz. It is available with single- or multimode
fiber optic input. Applications include spectroscopy and quantum optics.